Skin Cancer Resource
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Melanoma survival rates are improving as we develop better ways of detecting this cancer early. Every year, over a million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States alone. While about ninety-five percent of them are relatively harmless cancers, the rest are melanoma.
This type of cancer must never be left untreated. It can spread to other systems, becoming lung cancer, liver cancer, brain cancer or another more serious condition. Melanoma can lead to death.
The good news is that by taking care of yourself, you can reduce your chances of getting this cancer. Using sunscreen (especially early in life) and staying out of the sun whenever you can means you're less likely to damage your skin. It's damaged skin cells that are the most likely to become cancerous. Melanoma is the sixth most common cancer, which makes preventing it very important.
Nonmelanoma cancers have a cure rate of about ninety-five percent. When detected and treated early on, they aren't a big problem. However, melanoma survival rates are lower.
About eight thousand people die every year from this type of cancer. Fortunately, just like other cancers, melanoma is best treated early. You have to see your doctor when melanoma moles or blemishes appear. He or she can help you determine if the mark or growth really is cancer. Treatment will be easier once you know that.
About a hundred thousand new cases of melanoma appear every year. That means that one in sixty-three people will develop invasive melanoma over the course of their lives. One person dies of this cancer every hour.
Most deaths are among older men with pale skin. Half of these cancers are noticed when they're small. This makes treating them much easier. Unfortunately, the other half are invasive. Invasive cancers are much more dangerous. They are the most likely to spread to other systems and eventually cause death.
Your chances of surviving go up if a cancer is treated early. Melanoma survival rates are around ninety-nine percent with early treatment. Waiting longer means a lower chance of survival.
Most melanoma can be surgically removed. Those that can't be removed (melanoma in the eye) can be treated with radiation to reduce the size of the tumor. A large percentage of melanoma patients get another cancer after treatment. That means routine visits to the doctor to make sure that the tumor hasn't come back.
Exposure to UV light is one of the biggest factors in getting skin cancer. Because of this, people are advised to stay inside during the brightest part of the day. This is true even in winter. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15.
A chemical free sunblock can be used if you have sensitive skin. Apply sunscreen or sunblock every two hours. If you swim or sweat a lot, apply it more often. Of course, wearing protective clothing keeps you from having to worry as much about sunscreen. You can also try to spend more time in the shade.
The younger you can start protecting yourself, the better. Sun exposure as children increases the chance of getting melanoma. Of course, we can't go back in time. Even if we got too much sun in the past, it's possible to make a difference now.
Take the time to pay attention to your exposure to the sun. Try to reduce it as much as you can. Make certain that you see your doctor right away if you see anything unusual.
Most men get melanoma on the upper back. Most women get it on the upper back or lower legs. The lighter your skin is, the higher your chances of getting melanoma are. You are at higher risk if you have a history of severe sunburn or a history of cancer in your family.
Early signs and symptoms include marks that are:
If a mole or other mark changes in size or shape, it may be cancerous. People who have had melanoma in the past are at a higher risk of getting it again, and need to pay close attention to their skin.
Some of the same factors that cause moles to develop are also factors that can cause skin cancer. For instance, most skin cancer occurs in areas that have been exposed to the sun. Freckling and the development of moles also occur in these areas.
You have a higher chance of getting skin cancer if you get bad (blistering) sunburn, or are sunburnt often. People who work outside or spend a lot of leisure time outdoors are at a higher risk than people who don't get much sun. This is because they increase their chances of damaging skin cells and causing cancer.
Just getting sun isn't the only factor in getting skin cancer. People who have a family history of skin cancer are also at risk. If someone else in your family has had any kind of skin cancer, you'll have to watch more carefully. There's good evidence that skin cancer is partly genetic. This is one reason why it shows up on skin that has never been exposed to the sun.
Take care of your skin and avoid too much sun exposure to help prevent yourself from developing cancer. Pay good attention to your moles and other marks, too. If they change or look unusual, you should see a doctor right away. It could save your lif
The best thing you can do is use the above methods to prevent yourself from getting skin cancer. Take the time to prepare before you go into the sun and limit the amount of time you spend in it.
You should also make sure you examine yourself carefully to catch tumors early. Look at all moles, freckles, marks and scars on a regular basis. If any of them change size, shape, or color, they may be a problem. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist right away. They will be able to help you get treatment. Prevention is always the best medicine, especially when it comes to skin cancer.
"This website is for all skin cancer patients, their families and friends. I want people to know that they can overcome this disease by learning what to do, where to go for great medical help, how to deal with insurance and all the other problems facing them.
I have worked with some great people to make this web site easy to understand and devoted to helping you. Please let me know if anything doesn't help you or if we can do something more that would be useful to you.
The most important factor in a person getting healthy is their personal determination and their will to be better. You have to summon that determination and then take the steps described here - we are here to help and support you."
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